SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Claudio Castagnoli Talks About Kings Of Wrestling to WWE

    Ring of Honorstar Claudio Castagnoli was interviewed by Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas this week for the Right After Wrestling radio show, which you can hear at TheScore.com.

    Castagnoli, who recently had a WWE tryout along with his Kings of Wrestling tag team partner Chris Hero, had this to say about the possibility of working for WWE:

    “I think I would prefer to go as a package with Chris Hero. But I would be comfortable working there on my own. We have a the unique ability to perform in a singles environment and in a tag environment. I think we definitely have very good chemistry and we have greater potential as a team.”

    Many wrestlers who are successful in ROH or TNA never catch on in WWE the way many fans would hope. When asked whether the Kings of Wrestling would do well in WWE, Claudio said:

    “I think we could survive in the right circumstances. We have the tools to flourish in any wrestling company. We both have unique abilities to talk. Both Chris (Hero) and I are both really good singles wrestlers and tag wrestlers so I think we bring a lot to the table there. And the next step is to bring in actual teams (into the WWE) and not just two singles-wrestlers coming together. That’s what’s missing – actual teams that look alike and seem to have been a team for a long time.”

    Head on over to TheScore.com to listen to the full interview.

  • Multiple WWE Stars Battling Injuries, Ryder Appears On Raw

    — Multiple WWE stars are battling injuries, according to a report on PWInsider.com.

    NXT contestant Connor O’Brian is nursing a knee injury as he was icing it a lot at last week’s television tapings.

    The Great Khali is also hurt, which has hindered his mobility—moreso.

    Kane is dealing with various minor injuries, although he’s not letting it effect his in-ring work.

    — Last night on Raw, Zack Ryder appeared on stage following David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty’s victory over Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov. Ryder delivered his trademark catchphrase. Regarding the cryptic appearance, WWE.com wrote: “Speaking of oddballs, The New Nexus’ victory celebration was cut short by Long Island Iced Z himself, Zack Ryder. The self-proclaimed “Internet Champion” left Otunga & McGillicutty with a cryptic warning as only he can deliver: “Woo woo woo, you know it.” Just what are they supposed to know?”

    — Jerry Sags of The Nasty Boys turns 47 years old today while Hillbilly Jim turns 59.

  • JR Blog: Australian Tour, HBK’s Hunting Show, Bret Hart

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update. Ross spoke at length about a number of topics, including Saturday’s UFC 132 pay-per-view You can read the entire blog over at  JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights from JR’s 4th of July update:

    WWE’s “Down Under” Tour Completed: WWE Raw talents are finishing up a 5 day tour [on Sunday]. This tour will generate well over $3M in ticket sales revenue notwithstanding what the WWE will garner at their merchandise stands. Two live events had whopping 1.1M gates.

    Bret Hart: Happy belated birthday to our good friend and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart whose B-Day was yesterday if I’m not mistaken. @BretHart was a pleasure to see when last we were in Stamford together for the HBK/Hitman DVD. Bret looks great and seems to be very happy. He will always be one of my favorite wrestlers and Bret is often overlooked in how much of a positive influence Hitman had on Steve Austin’s career in WWE. These two had some amazing bouts including one of my all time favorites at WM13.

    Shawn Michaels’ Hunting Show: Another emailer took me to task about my opinion on hunting and particularly endorsing Shawn Michaels new adventure/hunting show on the Outdoor Life Network. I assume it’s a generational thing as my Dad used to hunt and we processed and ate everything he harvested over the course of the year from Venison Sausage to quail. Dad’s hunting helped our struggling family with our grocery bill and provided a source of lean, protein to supplement the beef, pork and chicken we raised on our farm. Another issue is the over population of some species. Either hunters are allowed to harvest these animals in a systematic, controlled manner or a respective state’s wildlife department will handle it.

  • Punk Apologizes For Homophobic Slur, WWE Comments

    CM Punk has addressed news regarding a homophobic slur he directed to a fan during Monday’s Raw live event in Adelaide, Australia, which was reported by TMZ. Punk posted the following on his Twitter page:

    “I’m glad TMZ posted that video because everybody needs to be held accountable for their bullshit, me included. What I said was bullshit.

    “I’m embarrassed. I own up to being a total douche in this situation and I offer a sincere apology to anybody I hurt with careless words.”

    Meanwhile, a representative for WWE issued the following statement to TMZ: “WWE does not condone this type of language or bias and we reinforce that with our talent who are independent contractors.”

    TMZ posted footage of Punk shouting at fans. Midway through the promo, Punk shouted to a fan, “You homo!”

    He continued, “I guess you’re right, that’s why I’m picking on you two jerks right now. You have a vagina. You have a vagina. Nice faux hawk, you homo! Yeah, I want you to come over the rail so I can twist you and turn you inside out.”

  • Preview For Tonight’s Raw, More Wrestlers Endorse Anderson

    — WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of Raw, which was taped last Monday: “With the suspension of CM Punk, WWE Champion John Cena’s Money in the Bank opponent will be determined on a Fourth of July edition of Monday Night Raw. Who will prevail in a No. 1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match between Del Rio, Mysterio and R-Truth?”

    — After Randy Orton pushed via Twitter for Arn Anderson to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Chris Jericho and William Regal also endorsed the original member of the Four Horsemen for the honor.

    — WWE registered the term “CM Punk” for merchandise use on June 22. WWE trademarked Punk’s name for wrestling use in 2009. WWE also recently registered “The Last Outlaw” for wrestling use, which is tied to The Undertaker.

    — Both Sid Vicious and Barry Windham turn 51 years old today.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • CM Punk Directs Homophobic Slur To Fan During House Show

    CM Punk directed a homophobic slur to a fan during Monday’s Raw live event in Adelaide, Australia, TMZ reports.

    TMZ posted footage of Punk shouting at fans. Midway through the promo, Punk shouted to a fan, “You homo!”

    He continued, “I guess you’re right, that’s why I’m picking on you two jerks right now. You have a vagina. You have a vagina. Nice faux hawk, you homo! Yeah, I want you to come over the rail so I can twist you and turn you inside out.”

    TMZ notes that WWE is working with GLAAD and produced a series of anti-bullying commercials following incidents involving Michael Cole and John Cena. The website adds that calls to WWE and GLAAD regarding Punk’s promo were not returned.

  • Kingston Recalls Being Bullied At School, Cornette Thanks Punk

    — The Sydney Morning Herald has an article on Kofi Kingston, who recalls being a victim of bullying when he was a child.

    “When I went to school I was definitely bullied,” Kingston told the children who are part of Underdogs, a Sydney, Australia based anti-bullying support group. “I wasn’t the biggest guy, I grew up in a town [in America] that was affluent – a lot of people had a lot – and while my family wasn’t what you’d call not well off, we didn’t have what others had.

    “So, it was tough. For me, growing up was just a matter of dealing with it. You’d try to fight it but there were some days I didn’t want to go to school and come across certain people because I didn’t want the conflict.”

    The article on Kingston’s anti-bullying efforts is available here.

    — Jim Cornette wrote the following regarding CM Punk mentioning Ring of Honor last Monday on Raw: “@CMPunk Recognizes the best wrestling in the world when he sees it.Thanks Punk. #bitw #ROHbest #findroh.”

    — Monday’s issue of The Sporting News has a story on fathers and sons who were pro athletes, and James and Joe Laurinaitis (a/k/a Road Warrior Animal) are mentioned. The WWE Hall of Famer is dressed up like his son in a St. Louis Rams uniform and James is dressed up in a Road Warriors ensemble.

  • Billy Gunn Says He Should Be In HOF, Criticizes WWE Product

    During an interview with The Kingston Wigg Standard, former WWE star Billy Gunn was asked if he’s ever looked back and realized how significant his place in WWE history is.

    “No I really don’t,” Gunn said. “I’m extremely glad that I was part of that and that I had a partner and people around me that we could reach that level.

    “I guess the only thing I really think of, is that when people look back, or think about me, that I just did the best that I could. It really wasn’t all about me. It was about making other people good, or helping other people, or that at least my work was good and not crappy.”

    Gunn also feels he, Road Dogg, and Sean Waltman deserve a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

    “I think we do,” said Gunn. “I still think we have a place up there to work, not work wrestling-wise, but work to help the younger guys coming up. Do I think we deserve the hall of fame? Yeah, of course we do.”

    Gunn also believes he can bring back an element of fun back to WWE, something he feels is lacking today. The article notes that with the recent returns of 1990s stars such as The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to WWE, Gunn’s return could be inevitable.

    “People are not really interested in that show too much,” he said, referring to Monday Night Raw. “I don’t want to say that for a fact, but there are really no stand-out guys. I mean, how long has John Cena been carrying that company? Forever.

    “They’re trying to get some of these guys back that the older generation, or the ’90s generation, wants to see. There is really nobody on that show anymore that they want to see who is really a standout. Face it, The Rock, Stone Cold, DX, not only was it the wrestling, but it was the skits, or the attitude and all of that. They were just fun to watch. Not only the wrestling part, but the funny stuff. You never knew what we were going to do. They tuned in every Monday night just to see what kind of silly s–t we were going to pull off.”

    Gunn also discussed burning bridges with WWE officials after he was released in November 2004 and said he should have been mad at himself. The full article is available here.

  • Orton Wants Former Star In The HOF, WWE Draws Large Gates

    — WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton stated on his Twitter account that he wants Arn Anderson in the WWE Hall of Fame.

    “If Arn Anderson isn’t in the HOF next year I’ll go on strike,” he wrote. “Well maybe not go on strike, but damn it, he’s earned it. Anyone else agree? He has tutored me throughout my career and speaking of the punt, his idea 100%.”

    Orton has also retweeted posts in favor of Anderson being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

    — Jim Ross stated on Twitter that WWE drew $1.1 million gates at this weekend’s live events in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

    — WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan appears at the Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus, New Jersey on Saturday, July 16 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Call 347-92-8240 for more information.

  • Zack Ryder Defends New Title, WWE Continues CM Punk Storyline

    — Zack Ryder was announced as the WWE Internet Champion at today’s Raw live event in Melbourne, Australia and had a replica belt with him that he successfully defended against Primo.

    — CM Punk’s current storyline was continued at yesterday’s Raw live event in Sydney, Australia. Ring announcer Tony Chimel announced at the start of the show that Punk was suspended by WWE but had agreed to fulfill his contract and appear at the event. Punk trashed the McMahon family, among others, before his mic was cut off. He then lost to Rey Mysterio in the show’s opening match.

    — In today’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart turns 54 years old, WWE referee Charles Robinson turns 47, former WWE star Scotty 2 Hotty turns 38 and former WWE Diva Amy Weber turns 41.

    — Jerry Lawler is advertised to appear at the Norfolk Tides minor leagus baseball game at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, July 24 at 6:15 p.m.

  • Sin Cara Loses First Match In WWE, Singh Reveals Who Mahal Is

    — Sin Cara suffered his first WWE loss last night on SmackDown as he was downed by Christian following the spear. Sin Cara picked up thirteen consecutive victories on television and pay-per-view prior to the loss.

    — The Great Khali’s brother Ranjin Singh revealed on SmackDown that Jinder Mahal is their brother-in-law.

    — Cody Rhodes pinned Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson in a non-title match on SmackDown, ending his ten match winning streak on television and pay-per-view.

    — Wade Barrett lost to Kane last night on SmackDown, extending his losing streak to twelve consecutive losses on television and pay-per-view.

    — Ted DiBiase lost to Daniel Bryan last night on SmackDown, extending his losing streak to seven consecutive losses on television.

  • Crawford Returns To FCW, Bella Twins Launch Website, Finlay

    — Tough Enough contestant Christina Crawford has apparently re-signed with WWE as she recently resurfaced in Florida Championship Wrestling. She is performing under the name Caylee Turner.

    Crawford was released from her WWE developmental contract to participate in reality television program. She was the last female contestant to be eliminated from the show.

    — The Bella Twins have launched their official website, NicoleandBrianna.com. The site features exclusive blogs, photos, videos and more.

    — Former WWE Superstar Finlay is accepting inquiries for wrestling bookings and personal appearances through Bill Behrens. Booking contact information for Behrens is showbis@aol.com and sbibookings.com.

    — WWE returns to The Pit at the University Of New Mexico in Albuquerque on September 25, 2011. Bell time is 5:00 p.m.

  • John Cena Talks About His Upcoming Match With CM Punk

    WWE Champion John Cena was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune this week to discuss the upcoming Money In The Bank pay-per-view event which takes place from the Windy City on Sunday, July 17th.

    With CM Punk’s upcoming departure from WWE, his industry-rattling shoot promo from Monday’s RAW and the disciplinary ramification that followed, the WWE title match between him and Cena is now looking like a must-see match.

    Cena tells the Tribune that his match with Punk is still on, but there’s still enough time before the 17th for Punk to do something stupid:

    “From what I understand, he’s suspended, but I think the match will happen. (Punk) reached an agreement to not talk badly about WWE. Technically, it’s two weeks before Money in the Bank, so he’s still got two weeks to screw it up for himself.”

    Cena also put over the significance and magnitude of MITB, insisting anything can happen:

    “WWE has a lot of events, but rarely do you see something this controversial and hostile. I think people will talk about Money in the Bank for years to come. It will be a great moment for Chicago. A guy like CM Punk on live TV, you don’t know what he’ll do. I’m prepared for anything.”

    To read the full interview, check out ChicagoTribune.com.

  • VIDEO From The First Episode Of HBK’s New Hunting Show

    Check out this video clip from Episode 1 of Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures, which airs on the Outdoor Channe Tuesdays at 11:30pm eastern (8:30 pm pacific), Saturday at 7:00pm eastern (4:00pm pacific) and Tuesday at 3:00am (12:00am pacific).

    Michaels wrote on Twitter this week that he was gator hunting with fellow DX member Triple H for an upcoming episode – stay tuned for more on that.

  • Video: Episode 20 Of Zack Ryder’s Z! True Long Island Story

    Zack Ryder is back with Episode 20 of the Z! True Long Island Story – and checks in from Sydney, Australia .. This week’s show includes:

    – Broski of the Week

    – Sign of the week

    – A reading from Shakespeare’s “Bromeo & Woo Woo Wooliette”

    – An appearance from Long Island Iced Z’s John Morrison-obsessed father

    – An example of how Zack Ryder and WWE are just not on the same page

    Here we go, Episode 20, BRO:

  • WWE SummerSlam PPV Poster & Synopsis

    Cable prodider iNDEMAND has released the official promotional poster and synopsis for WWE’s SummerSlam pay-per-view, which takes place on August 14th from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California:

    “With superior abilities and infinite power, the superpowers of the WWE Universe descend on Los Angeles for a collision so monumental, it threatens to lay waste to the City of Angels. Don’t miss John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars at SummerSlam, live on pay-per-view.”

  • SmackDown Match Preview, Ziggler Comments On Online Reports

    — WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of SmackDown: “The relentless brutality of Mark Henry comes face-to-face with World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton tonight on SmackDown. Has The World’s Strongest Man become something that even The Viper can’t stop?”

    Other matches taking place include Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase, Sin Cara vs. Christian, Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes and Kane vs. Wade Barrett.

    — Dolph Ziggler took to Twitter to comment on online reports that he took adult film star BiBi Jones on a date after meeting her at a Britney Spears concert last week.

    He wrote, “Wow! To anyone it may concern: no, i am NOT dating anyone! and YES I do frequently listen to Britney Spears!”

    — Yoshi Tatsu celebrates his 34th birthday today. In yesterday’s birthdays, Alicia Fox turned 25, Cody Rhodes turned 26 and WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk turned 67.

  • DX Reunites For Outdoor TV Show, Ziggler Dates Adult Film Star

    — Shawn Michaels noted on his Twitter account that Triple H will appear on an upcoming episode of his new television series Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures (airing Tuesdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on the Outdoor Channel). Michaels and “The King of Kings” filmed an alligator hunting episode today in Florida.

    — Randy Orton appeared on 98KUPD’s Real Rock on Tuesday promoting this week’s SmackDown tapings in Arizona. During the interview, one of the hosts said Ziggler, who resides in Phoenix, went on a date last week with adult film star BiBi Jones. He said Ziggler met Jones at a recent Britney Spears concert.

    — The Bella Twins stated on Twitter that they will be launching their official website, NicoleandBrianna.com, on Friday.

    — WWE Hall of Famer Sgt Slaughter appears at the Salem Red Sox game on Friday, July 8 at LewisGale Field 1004 Texas St. Salem, Virginia. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Call 540-389-3333 for more information.

  • Randy Savage’s Cause Of Death Revealed

    Wrestling icon “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s cause of death has been revealed. According to the Pinellas County Medical Examiner, the former WWE & WCW champion died from a fatal “cardiac event” last month while driving on a Florida highway.

    The medical examiner stated that the cardiac event was a result of cardiovascular disease.

    According to the toxicology report, Savage tested positive for alcohol and hydrocodone during the time of his death, but neither played a role in his death.

    (Props to TMZ.com for the info used in this report)

  • Update On Lesnar & Heyman’s WWE Talks, HBK Talks Hunting

    — Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported yesterday that Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have either made a deal or at least are in very serious negotiations to have a business relationship with WWE. In the case of Lesnar, it is not to wrestle, nor would he be a television character. Meltzer claims Heyman’s deal is similar to Lesnar’s. Award-winning Canadian mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani stated this afternoon on his Twitter account that Meltzer’s report is somewhat inaccurate. He wrote:

    “Meltzer report on Heyman/Brock going 2 WWE, according 2 sources, is somewhat inaccurate. What is being discussed is a consumer product deal.”

    — WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels posted a lengthy blog on his Facebook account explaining why he hunts animals. He wrote:

    “I recognize that no matter how much love, faith, and factual information I provide there are going to be people who simply will not agree with the lifestyle I have chosen. Personally, it’s that diversity that makes us so great. I would ask that as I respect your right to disagree, you show me the same courtesy. I spent 25 years defending myself and you against the stereotype that we’re all a bunch of “dimwitted toothless rednecks,” what’s the harm against doing it again for another group of people I believe in? And at the end of the day there will still be those who just love to be difficult because…well, just because. To you I say this, my lifestyle is 100% protected by and in accordance with, the laws of this land…in every sense. You wanna challenge me in that? I’ll knock you sox off!!

    “And if you’re not down with that…I got two words for ya…”

     

  • Colt Cabana Explains Why CM Punk Wants Out Of WWE

    Former WWE star Colt Cabana was interviewed this week by the Miami Herald and had a lot to say about CM Punk’s shoot promo from RAW. Colt says that Punk’s rant was almost entirely reality-based and reflected the frustrations Punk has felt in WWE since his first days with the company.

    “That whole thing has been building up forever,” Cabana said. “Personally, for almost forever, his whole time there, he is able to say this to me in the comfort of my house or his house.

    “From being laughed at by the trainers in Ohio Valley Wrestling to Paul [Heyman] finally bringing him up and everybody treating him like dirt, telling him he has an attitude problem and calling him the ‘King of the Indies.’ Just looking down on him, he just felt shunned his whole time there. It was a complete struggle.”

    Many are still under the impression that this angle is a storyline and that Punk will remain with WWE following his contract expiring the day after his title shot at Money In The Bank on 7/17, but Punk has been burnt out for a long time and is at the point where he just wants out.

    “The power of him not really caring because he was ready to leave — I always said the power of not giving a s— is so important,” Cabana said. “He is really at the point where he just wants to get out of there. It’s too frustrating for him. If he said anything that made anybody mad, what are they going to do to him? Not re-sign him? He doesn’t want to be there.”

    “So I think that idea is so powerful. He is so strong in his beliefs with the straight edge lifestyle. By being how strong headed that he is, he was able to have the power to go out on television and say what probably every other wrestler has wanted to say. He made unbelievable television. He made unbelievable history in wrestling.”

    Punk may be on his way out of WWE, but Colt thinks his promo from RAW has the potential to change entire industry:

    “He almost has the ability to change professional wrestling as we know it. It has been so stagnant and vanilla. It kind of shook up the wrestling world because of his real life frustrations.”

    Colt Cabana had much more to say about Punk’s promo, including his family and friends thinking he died when they saw him trending on Twitter. To read the full interview, head over to MiamiHerald.com.

  • More WWE Superstars Reportedly Interested In Leaving

    Last week, Chavo Guerrero joined the list of longtime WWE superstars who was released from the organization on request prior to their contract expiring.

    Aside from Chavo Guerrero, other stars who asked to be released in the past year include Batista, Chris Jericho, MVP and Matt Hardy. As you may have heard, CM Punk is also on his way out of the company due to unhappiness with how he’s been booked and the demanding WWE schedule.

    According to a reliable source in WWE, there are said to be a handful of other stars who are also fed up and are considering following Chavo and Punk out of the company.

    Guerrero’s departure caught virtually everybody in WWE off guard – with several superstars praising him for having the guts to walk away.

    (Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Chris Jericho Talks WWE Return, Fozzy, Movies & More

    Former WWE star Chris Jericho was interviewed by TheSuplex.com on Wednesday night – and you can listen to audio of the interview below.

    The topics discussed include:

    – FOZZY
    – His return to WWE?
    – Hig thoughts on maybe working The Undertaker at WrestleMania 28
    – Potential future dealings with American Idol stand out James Durbin
    – Future movie roles
    – PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE!

    Here’s the interview:

    * Pictures of Shawn Michaels HUNTING: See What He Killed

    (Source: TheSuplex.com)

  • Randy Orton Apologizes To Kelly Kelly

    After CM Punk’s shoot promo on RAW this week, it seemed highly unlikely that there would be any other stories that could possibly overshadow it – but a radio interview done by Randy Orton on Wednesday is sure coming close.

    During a radio with Phoenix, Arizona’s KUPD radio station, Orton sorta-jokingly sorta-not said Kelly Kelly sleeps around and has been ‘romantic’ with upwards of 10 of WWE’s top superstars.

    Kelly Kelly responded on Twitter to Orton’s claims, saying, “The best way to fight stupidity, is by ignoring it.” Now, Orton has issued a formal apology to Kelly on his own Twitter account:

    “Yesterday I got caught up in a live radio interview and brought Kelly’s personal life into it.”

    “I owe Kelly K and apology. The fact that she has dated a few guys I work with doesn’t make her a bad person, and is also none of my or anyone else’s business. Yesterday I got caught up in a live radio interview and brought Kelly’s personal life into it. It was completely uncalled for.

    “Kelly, I hope one day you can forgive me. I do however understand if that doesn’t happen. Please everyone, trash me all you want, but please drop this topic out of respect for Barb.”

  • Lesnar, Heyman & Cabana To Work With WWE Again?

    According to a reliable source in WWE, there was some significance CM Punk mentioning Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman and Colt Cabana during his shoot promo on RAW – as each of them could be working with WWE again in the coming months.

    Heyman and Lesnar have reportedly either made a deal or are at least in very serious negotiations to have a business relationship with WWE. Regarding Lesnar, word is that he won’t be wrestling and won’t be a TV character, should he establish a business relationship with WWE again. Heyman would start working with the company again under a deal similar to Lesnar.

    As for Punk’s WWE future, the creative team has been told that he’s finishing up at Money in the Bank and most feel that he is still leaving. During his negotiations with WWE Punk recently asked for his friend Colt Cabana to be re-hired and put on the main roster.

    WWE still has an offer on the table, so we shall see.

    (Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for some of the info used in this report)